Garden Hose Fittings
One of the problems with garden hose fittings is that they leak. And with two causes, we need to eliminate them both.
- The first problem is fittings that are not properly fitted, either to loose, or to the wrong sized hose. Easily fixed.
- The second problem is that cheap hose fittings leak. You get what you pay for.
Choosing the right hose fitting.
An essential addition to the garden hose fittings come in a range of materials and qualities. The ‘quick connect’ type hose fittings come in both brass and plastic. Remember that fittings come in a few sizes 12mm is the most common, ‘high flow’ 18mm is also available. Plastic fittings are usually cheaper and suit most applications, brass fittings are usually a little stronger and more durable.
Garden Hoses require secure Hose Fittings or Hose Connectors. Garden hose reels that connect permanently to taps and hoses are now available that will hold nearly 20m of garden hose. Hose fittings or connections need to be leak proof, UV resistant and tough enough to cope with outdoor use on a regular basis. Brass and Plastic are the two most popular hose connector materials.
- The right Size for your hose. You need to know the diameter of your hose to match the fitting.
- Quick connect or not. Quick connect hose fittings are great, if you need them. They are also more likely to leak.
- Brass or plastic. Brass are more expensive, however will generally last longer.
- The method of fitting to hoses. Some use a screw device that you thread the hose through. Others use an old fashioned clamp that you tighten with a screw driver. In our opinion the later work the best.
Garden Hoses Fittings and Water hoses are often taken for granted. However as with most things you get what you pay for. If you are looking for a non – kink, UV resistant hose that is tough enough to be run over with a car now and again you will need to avoid cheaper hoses.
Garden Hose types
Water hoses come in different diameters, the standard is 1/2 inch and this is suitable for most gardens.
Garden hoses come in a range of materials, look for one that is kink resistant, UV resistant and one that stays flexible in cold weather. Reinforced hoses are also available for extra tough conditions.
Garden Hose Fittings and Hose Connectors
Hose fittings or ‘hose connectors’ are needed at each end of the hose to allow efficient connection to both tap and hose nozzle. Hose connectors are also used to join two hoses together. Hose fittings are usually Plastic or Brass. Both materials have their benefits, but look for quality fittings that will not leak and are tough.
The most common fittings are now ‘click type’ or bayonet fittings, although heavy duty screw type hose fittings are available from irrigation specialists.
Other Fittings include: trigger guns, nozzles, watering wands and sprinklers.
Hose Reels
Garden hose reels are a great way of keeping your hose out of the way and in good conditions. Hose reels may be automatic retracting types or wind up types.
Both automatic and wind up hose reels are OK, but remember that Hose Reels need to fixed to a sturdy post.
Look for sturdy garden hose reels. Cheap garden hose reels are not worth considering.
HOSE PRO International Pty Ltd
Unit 3, 29 Mitchell Road Brookvale NSW 2100 – phone: (02) 9939 4171
Hoselink is a bayonet type hose connector utilizing an 0-Ring compression to provide a watertight connection for home and commercial garden hoses.